Research shows that therapy dogs in schools can work wonders—boosting student well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, and even making learning more enjoyable.

At the beginning of Term 2, 2025, we were thrilled to welcome Cruise, our four-legged team member, to the Counselling Team. Programs with therapy dogs have been linked to better school attendance, improved motivation, and a greater sense of belonging. Since commencing ‘official employment’, he's been spreading joy and support throughout the College.

Some of Cruise's Adventures So Far:

• Cruise attended the ANZAC Day Service, where he assisted a secondary student in managing emotions in a crowded setting.
• He ran alongside students who were pushing to finish the end of both the Primary and Secondary Cross Country races, encouraging them to keep going.
• Cruise joined Year 11 and 12 students at Study without Stress sessions, with his presence providing reassurance.
• Cruise visited the main cast and crew during the big week of rehearsals for School of Rock-The Musical, helping students calm before performances.
• He has attended many individual sessions, providing comfort and helping students feel at ease.

Cruise has brightened the day for staff members across the school. He has been especially helpful when traditional talk therapy is a little harder for the student. His presence creates a calming atmosphere, allowing students to open up and work through their feelings in a structured way. One student commented, “I didn’t feel like I wanted to come to school, but I knew seeing Cruise would help me to feel better.”

School Psychologist, Dr Jamie Scott, commented "Animals have a way of calming people and this is a dimension that is so helpful for our students. Cruise walks anxious students to class or sits in with them in assembly. He helps put children at ease and gives confidence for them talk about things that are normally difficult to put into words. He's only been with us a short time but is already an invaluable member of the counselling team."

Energetic students have enjoyed playing fetch with Cruise, helping them burn off energy and refocus. Parents have also expressed appreciation for Cruise's involvement, noting the positive impact on their children's school experience.

School Counsellor and Cruise's owner, Mrs Krysten Bisby, shares, "It has been great just seeing the way he’s helped kids calm down when they’ve been feeling overwhelmed. Walking around the school, and seeing students light up has been so encouraging. He has quickly become a very popular staff member!"

This is just the beginning for Cruise, and we are very thankful to be able to offer this opportunity for our students.